COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – Jacob Norton delivered a major shock on day two of the Sri Lanka Juniors Match Play Championship 2024 continued at the Royal Colombo Golf Club. Competing in the Under 18 Gold Segment, Norton defeated the highly favoured Reshan Algama with a commanding 5/4 win.
Norton displayed strategic prowess throughout the match, initially maintaining a steady pace before intensifying his play to secure victory. This match, part of the Rukmini Kodagoda Trophy event sponsored by Perera and Sons for the ninth consecutive year, has added a dramatic twist to the tournament.
Indian golfer Manoj Sreeramappa also made headlines, advancing to the semi-finals after a 3/2 victory over Vinuda Weerasinghe. Yannik Kumara, another rising star, overcame Nirwan Hettiarachchi, while Jevahn Sathasivam, fresh from a tour in Scotland, secured the final semi-final spot by defeating India’s Abinav Baskar 3/2.
In the girls’ Gold and Silver Division, Anumi Karunathilaka from the Central region continued to impress by defeating Nisini Gunawardhana 8/6. Other semi-finalists include Sithara Lorance, Kaitlyn Norton, and Dhanushi Wanasighe.
The Silver Division for boys saw Kaiyan Johnpillai, Adithya Weerasinghe, Thejas Rathis Kanth, and Varuna Fernando advance to the semi-finals. In the Bronze Division, Lavidhu Premarathna, Danik Daluwatte, Revaan Amarasinghe, and Udeera Bandara secured their spots.
In the Copper Division, Yuvan Rathis Kanth, Sashen de Silva, Jaeden Sathasivam, and Abiman Abeywardhana made it to the top four.
Gold Division Boys
Manoj Sreeramappa (India) beat Vindu Weerasinghe 3/2, Jacob Norton beat Reshan Algama 5/4, Yannik Kumara beat Nirwan Hettiarachchi 5/4, Jevahn Sathasivam beat Abinav Baskar (India) 3/2.
Gold and Silver Division Girls
Anumi Karunathilaka beat Nisini Gunawardhana 8/6, Sithara Lorance beat Araadhi Samararatne 6/4, Kaitlyn Norton beat Amandi Umaya 7/6, Dhanushi Wanasinghe beat Thiumi Gunasekera 5/4.
Silver Division Boys
Kaiyan Johnpillai beat David Herath 7/6, Adhithya Weerasinghe beat Shenal Nimsith 4/2, Thejas Rathis Kanth beat Kaveesha Sadaruwan 7 up, Varuna Fernando beat Pabasara Kavishka 9 up.
Bronze Division
Lavidhu Premarathna beat Aqeel Hussain 10/8, Danik Daluwatte beat Kenul Scofield Ananda 9/8, Revaan Amarasinghe beat Roanal Scofield Ananda 7/6, Udeera Bandara beat Y Abinesh 9/8.
Copper Division Boys
Yuvan Rathis Kanth beat Vallen Menezes 8/6, Sashen de Silva beat Dhyana Perera 4/2, Jaeden Sathasivam beat Jaith Guruge 8/6, Abiman Abeywardhana beat Richard Magala 6/4.
